Having A Fluid Flow Passage Adjusted Manually (e.g., Threaded Plug, Threaded Rod, Gearing) Patents (Class 188/285)
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Patent number: 11271295Abstract: The impedance of a loopstick antenna is directly modulated utilizing a mechanically actuated magnetoelastic material preferably placed in the core (or center) of looped wires forming the loopstick antenna. Using one or more mechanical actuators the permeability in the center of the loopstick antenna can be modulated at a rapid rate (such as with data or audio information), allowing the magnetic field outside of the antenna to be modulated at large bandwidths without requiring switches or modulators capable of high voltage thus reducing the overall complexity and cost of the transmitter. The external magnetic field is created by an AC source which is preferably impedance matched to the loopstick antenna by means of a matching network and is FM modulated according to a modulating signal applied to the one or more mechanical actuators.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Skyler Selvin, Walter S. Wall, Geoffrey P. McKnight
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Patent number: 11149815Abstract: A shock absorber includes a hollow rod, a suspension spring arranged outside the hollow rod, a spring receiver arranged to be displaceable with respect to the hollow rod and receiving a load of the suspension spring, an adjusting screw inserted into one end side of the hollow rod and configured to adjust a position of the suspension spring by restricting movement of the spring receiver to the one end side, and a shaft member which transmits a load received by the spring receiver to the adjusting screw inside the hollow rod. An insertion portion which extends in an axial direction of the hollow rod and into which the shaft member is inserted is provided on a side surface of the hollow rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Showa CorporationInventors: Naoya Kuroiwa, Yosuke Fujikawa, Yosuke Murakami
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Patent number: 11143264Abstract: Electrorheological fluid is loaded in a shock absorber 1 as hydraulic fluid 2. The shock absorber 1 controls a generated damping force by producing a potential difference in an electrode passage 19 to thus change viscosity of electrorheological fluid flowing in the electrode passage 19. A plurality of partition walls 20 is provided in the electrode passage 19 formed between an inner tube 3 and an electrode tube 18. Due to this configuration, a plurality of helical flow passages 24 is formed in the electrode passage 19. In this case, the flow passages 24 are each provided with a flow passage cross-sectional area change portion that allows the flow passage 24 to have a larger cross-sectional area on one side spaced apart from an entrance 24A1 side (an intermediate region F) at least compared to the entrance 24A1 side of the extension-side flow passage 24 (an inflow region E).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventor: Yasuhiro Aoki
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Patent number: 11002040Abstract: A sanitizer apparatus for a handle on a door has a sanitary fluid reservoir and associated atomizing pump which discharges to one or more spray heads. A pump actuating means is operatively connected to the door handle so operation of the door handle operates the pump to spray disinfectant at the handle. The pump actuating means includes a time delay mechanism so that a person opening the door will have removed their hand from the handle before spraying commences.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Inventor: Kenneth Conlan
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Patent number: 10927917Abstract: Provided is a shock absorber that includes a middle chamber formed by a piston, a first damping-force generating device that is provided between an upper chamber and the middle chamber and generates a damping force, a second damping-force generating device that is provided between a lower chamber and the middle chamber and generates a damping force, and a position-based state changing device that changes a state of a passage to a state in which the upper chamber and the lower chamber communicate with each other, a state in which the upper chamber and the middle chamber communicate with each other, or a state in which the lower chamber and the middle chamber communicate with each other depending on a position of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Mikio Yamashita, Kunio Takiguchi
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Patent number: 10786699Abstract: An apparatus for physical exercise comprising a resistance arrangement having at least one hydraulic cylinder adapted for providing resistance forces in at least a first and a second direction, the apparatus having a force transmission assembly through which the resistance forces are operable. The force transmission assembly having at least one actuation member being in operable engagement therewith and being adapted to transfer forces generated by a user in at least two directions of motion to the at least one hydraulic cylinder via the force transmission assembly. The resistance forces created by the at least one hydraulic cylinder opposing the user generated forces.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Inventor: Steve Scott
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Patent number: 10544850Abstract: A hydraulic damping assembly includes a housing having a first moving end and a second opposing fixed end. A lockout assembly disposed at the fixed end of the housing includes at least one lockout pin that is configured to selectively occlude an orifice extending into at least one fluidic circuit interconnecting various hydraulic chambers of the damper.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLCInventor: Shubin Ruan
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Patent number: 10480540Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a double-acting cylinder comprising a cylinder housing, a first floating piston, a second floating piston and a central piston which is movable to three stationary positions along an actuation direction of the cylinder. A movement of the floating pistons in the cylinder bore is delimited by end stop arrangements. A movement of the central piston in the cylinder bore is delimited by the first and the second floating piston. Each floating piston comprises a first section and a second section. A circumferential length of the floating pistons is greater in the first section than in the second section. In the first sections a first seal is arranged for a sealing engagement with an inner wall of the cylinder bore. In the second sections a second seal is arranged for a sealing engagement with the inner wall of the cylinder bore or an inner wall of the central piston.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE ASInventor: Daniel Norheim
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Patent number: 10359092Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Robert C. Fox, Dennis K. Wootten
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Patent number: 10308311Abstract: Telescopic suspension device (10) attached to the hub (422) of a wheel (424) of the type comprising a first tube (12), a second tube (14) sliding relative to the first tube and a main spring (34) arranged inside said tubes, and further comprising a pretension adjustment stopper (18) of the spring (34) installed at the upper end (16) of said first tube. The suspension device comprises a pretension tracking system (39) of the spring, representative of the weight of the user, connected to the stopper (18).Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: DECATHLONInventors: Rémi Lozac'h, Sylvain Giovannetti, Antoine Biloe
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Patent number: 10226658Abstract: An apparatus for physical exercise comprising a resistance arrangement having at least one hydraulic cylinder adapted for providing resistance forces in at least a first and a second direction, the apparatus having a force transmission assembly through which the resistance forces are operable. The force transmission assembly having at least one actuation member being in operable engagement therewith and being adapted to transfer forces generated by a user in at least two directions of motion to the at least one hydraulic cylinder via the force transmission assembly. The resistance forces created by the at least one hydraulic cylinder opposing the user generated forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Inventor: Steve Scott
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Patent number: 10180171Abstract: A suspension system includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, William M. Becker
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Patent number: 10167920Abstract: An adjustment control for adjusting a damping curve of a shock absorber includes an aperture seat coupled to a base of the shock absorber. The aperture seat defines a flow tube. A plug, in mechanical communication with a spring, slidably engages the flow tube. A plug nut is threadably coupled to an adjustment nut shaft stud and is in mechanical communication with the spring. An adjustment nut is coupled to the base. The adjustment nut has a non-circular cavity to receive at least a portion of the adjustment nut shaft stud and at least a portion of the non-circular region of the plug nut such that the plug nut cannot rotate relative to the non-circular cavity of the adjustment nut. An adjustment knob causes rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud. The rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud causes axial movement of the plug nut.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Viking Performance, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. King, Jacob A. Neuman
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Patent number: 9944145Abstract: A suspension element includes a main body having an internal volume configured to contain a liquid therein, a tubular element extending at least partially within the main body, the tubular element having an internal volume that defines a first fluid chamber configured to contain a compressible gas therein, a first piston separating the internal volume of the main body into a second fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber, a second piston positioned to separate the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber, and a flow control element disposed along a flow path between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber. Movement of the tubular element generates a flow of the liquid through the flow control element to produce a damping force and changes the pressure of the compressible gas to produce a spring force.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventors: Patrick S. Dillman, Robert K. Sollenskog, Erik Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
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Patent number: 9920563Abstract: A damping unit includes a cylinder which is filled with a damping fluid and in which a piston rod is guided, the piston rod associated with a bottom surface which has at least one axial through-hole which defines an effective flow cross section for the damping fluid; wherein the piston rod includes: a sleeve element which is fixed on the piston rod in the axial direction; a piston bottom element which is supported on the piston rod so as to be axially slidable and includes the bottom surface; a resilient element; and a termination element which is fixed on the piston rod in the axial direction and forms an indirect or direct stop for the piston bottom element in the insertion direction of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventors: Lars Löhken, Ulrich Probst, Michael Hewel
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Patent number: 9650993Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser actuation system includes a plurality of actuator assemblies that are each configured, upon receipt of a drive torque, to move to a position. The rotary hydraulic motor is coupled to each of the actuator assemblies and is configured, upon receipt of hydraulic fluid, to rotate and supply the drive torque to each of the actuator assemblies. The control valve is in fluid communication with the rotary hydraulic motor and is configured, upon receipt of electrical current, to move to a valve position based on the magnitude of the received electrical current, to thereby control the direction and flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. The valve control is configured, upon receipt of thrust reverser commands, to supply the electrical current to the control valve and selectively vary the magnitude of the electrical current based on the positions of the actuator assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Steve Abel
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Patent number: 9573649Abstract: A suspension unit for a front fork of a vehicle includes an annular tube. The first tube defines a compression chamber and a damping chamber. A damper includes a first valve allowing gas to variably flow from the compression chamber to the damping chamber and a second valve allowing gas to flow from the damping chamber to the compression chamber. An external adjuster allows a rider to adjust the first valve to improve ride conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.Inventor: Darek C. Barefoot
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Patent number: 9212718Abstract: Adjustable damping valve for a vibration damper having a valve body having a pressure-loaded surface that acts in the lifting direction of the valve body and is impinged by an incident flow of damping medium from an opening inside a cross section limited by valve seat surface, and a surface operative in the closing direction is formed by a rear side of the valve body. A resulting force including a force of at least one valve spring and an actuating force of an actuator acts on the valve body. An additional surface of the valve body is pressure-loaded by damping medium by incident flow on the valve body in the closing direction of the valve body, or the valve body has a first pressure-loaded surface acting in the lifting direction, and a second pressure-loaded surface that acts in the lifting direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Steffen Heyn, Lothar Callies
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Patent number: 9163693Abstract: An adjustable damping valve device for a vibration damper includes an actuator which exerts an adjusting force on a valve body. The valve body has at least one surface acted upon by pressure of a damping medium as part of a pressure space. The surface acted upon by pressure causes an adjusting force on the valve body, and the pressure space is connected to a gas receiving space in the damping valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Andreas Förster
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Patent number: 9133902Abstract: Disclosed herein in an energy absorption device that incorporates a diverse range of uses within a single shock absorber. The disclosed energy absorption device is a novel combination of interaction between various components (e.g., piston head, shock tube, cylinder end, external cylinder, and adjustment mechanism) within a single shock absorber. When the components disclosed herein are considered together and designed as an interrelated assembly, the ability to incorporate such a diverse range of uses within a single device emerges. The ability to combine dashpot, square wave, progressive wave, and self-compensating damping in a single device is unprecedented, as is the ability to deliver sublinear damping force vs. input velocity performance in an adjustable device. The disclosed device allows a user to make simpler sizing calculations and decisions, and provides the user with the ability to adjust the shock absorber to a specific application, for example, with the turn of an adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Kyntec CorporationInventors: Gerald J. Spyche, Jr., Allan J. Jopp, Joseph Schoen, Scott J. Taylor
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Patent number: 9004516Abstract: A bicycle fork includes a pair of fork leg assemblies, each of the leg assemblies having an upper leg telescopingly engaged with a lower leg. A damping assembly is provided in at least one of the legs. The damping assembly includes lock-out and blow-off compression circuits. These compression circuits are externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, these two compression circuits may be adjusted independently of each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Fox Factory Inc.Inventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
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Patent number: 8967345Abstract: An adjustable rebound buffer includes: an outer perimeter, a central shaft hole and at least one adjustable hole. The outer perimeter is sized to fit inside a buffer cavity of the hydraulic damper. The central shaft hole is sized to fit around a damper shaft and position the adjustable rebound buffer on the damper shaft. The at least one adjustable hole provides an adjustable bleed path through the adjustable rebound buffer. A hydraulic damper with the adjustable rebound buffer includes the buffer cavity, wherein, the outer perimeter of the adjustable rebound buffer is adapted to fit inside the buffer cavity as the hydraulic damper approaches full extension.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: MSI Defense Solutions, LLCInventors: David J. Holden, Andrew M. Wizorek, Jeffrey L. Peterson
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Patent number: 8813923Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic damper including a valve housing (78) having a valve housing bore (88) disposed in abutting relationship with a bypass insert (68) of a base valve assembly (56) for isolating a bypass passage (70) from a reservoir (36). The valve housing (78) defines a valve housing orifice (128) extending therethrough to define an orifice plane (P). A valve (106) is rotatably disposed within the valve housing bore (88) and defines at least one valve orifice (130) extending therethrough along the plane (P). The valve (106) is rotatable between a closed position and an open position to align the valve orifice (130) and the valve housing orifice (128). A working fluid flows serially through the bypass passage (70), the valve orifice (130), and the open valve housing orifice (128).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: BeijingWest Industries, Co. Ltd.Inventor: Saiman Lun
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Patent number: 8807300Abstract: A method and apparatus for a shock absorber having a damping fluid compensation chamber with a gas charge. In one aspect, a partition separates a first chamber portion from a second chamber portion, wherein the first portion of the chamber is at a first initial gas pressure and the second portion of the chamber is at a second initial pressure. A valve separates the first and second chamber portions and opening the valve commingles the first and second chamber portions so that the combined chamber portions are at a third pressure. In another aspect, a piston disposed through a wall is in pressure communication with the gas charge and is biased inwardly toward a pressure of the charge, whereby an indicator is movable by the piston in response to the pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventor: John Marking
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Patent number: 8727081Abstract: A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Works Connection, Inc.Inventor: Eric Phipps
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Patent number: 8727366Abstract: A bicycle fork includes a pair of fork leg assemblies, each of the leg assemblies having an upper leg telescopingly engaged with a lower leg. A damping assembly is provided in at least one of the legs. The damping assembly includes lock-out and blow-off compression circuits. These compression circuits are externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, these two compression circuits may be adjusted independently of each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Fox Factory, IncorporatedInventors: William M. Becker, Brian Lampman
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Patent number: 8672106Abstract: A self-regulating suspension includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Laird, William Becker
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Patent number: 8651253Abstract: Damping device for moveable furniture parts. A longitudinally displaceable piston on opposing sides forms two variable size working chambers filled with a damping medium via at least one overflow connection. A piston rod led out of the housing is connected to one side of the piston. An adjustment shaft is connected to one side of the piston opposite one of the working chambers, its free end is also led out of the housing. A throttle disc radially protrudes from the circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft. The throttle disc being disposed in a region of an end of a piston passage bore connecting the two working chambers and configuring the overflow connection abutting a front surface of the piston. Recesses in the throttle disc offset from each other circumferentially have different cross-sections. The recesses may be selectively aligned by rotating the adjustment shaft relative to the passage bore.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Grass GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus Herper, Gabriele Schneider
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Patent number: 8622180Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a damper adjustment assembly that comprises an adjuster having a first detent at a first axial location, and a second detent at a second axial location. The assembly may further comprise a housing having a keeper for engaging the first and second detents. The method may comprise rotating the adjuster within the housing, and engaging the keeper with the first detent at the first axial location. The method may further comprise further rotating the damping adjuster within the housing and engaging the keeper with the second detent at the second axial location on the adjuster.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Dennis K. Wootten, Bryan Wesley Anderson, Josh Yablon
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Patent number: 8607942Abstract: A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: William Becker, Robert C. Fox, Dennis K. Wootten
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Publication number: 20130313056Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper including: a cylinder; a piston assembly; and an adjuster, wherein the piston assembly compresses fluid as it moves within the cylinder and the adjuster obstructs fluid flow from a first side of a damping piston of the piston assembly to a second side of the damping piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.Inventors: Paul Cox, David M. Haugen
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Patent number: 8561766Abstract: A piston-cylinder with a work cylinder filled with a fluid, a hollow piston rod displaceably arranged in the work cylinder along a longitudinal axis, a connection element at an end located outside the work cylinder and in the work cylinder, a piston that divides the work cylinder into first and second work spaces. A valve needle in the piston rod has a channel extending in axial direction arranged in the piston rod. The valve needle has a recess at one end. The valve needle is rotatable such that a flow of fluid is controllable. A lever extends in radial direction and is swivelably acted upon by an adjusting unit at the end of the valve needle outside the work cylinder. The adjusting unit is arranged at the connection element entirely outside the flow of force of the piston-cylinder unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Stabilus GmbHInventor: Frank Born
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Patent number: 8544619Abstract: A fluid pressure shock absorber in which valve opening of the main valve is controlled by an inner pressure of a backpressure chamber. A first piston (3) and a second piston (4) coupled to a piston rod (10) are fitted in a cylinder (2) such that a piston chamber (2C) is defined between the first and second pistons. An extension-side main valve (18) and a compression-side main valve (23) are provided in the piston chamber (2C). Valve opening of the main valves is controlled by an extension-side backpressure chamber (19) and a compression-side backpressure chamber (24). A compression-side check valve (13) and an extension-side check valve (16) are provided at the first piston (3) and the second piston (4). During an extension stroke of the piston rod (10), the compression-side check valve (13) is closed, whereby action of a pressure of a cylinder upper chamber (2A) on the compression-side main valve (23) is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Yohei Katayama, Hiroyuki Hayama, Takashi Nezu
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Patent number: 8499906Abstract: A bicycle suspension includes a stroke adjustment unit, a suspension damper, a damper adjustment unit, and a control mechanism. The stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension, which is configured to expand and contract within the stroke. The suspension damper is configured to apply damping force to the bicycle suspension. The damper adjustment unit is configured to adjust the damping force applied by the suspension damper. The control mechanism operatively couples the stroke adjustment unit to the damper adjustment unit and is configured to sequentially adjust the stroke and the damping force.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
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Patent number: 8496094Abstract: A coil spring suspension designed for a handlebar-steered vehicle. The coil spring suspension generally includes a first tube, a coil spring, a shaft and a guide. A first end of the coil spring is disposed within the first tube and fixedly supported proximate a first end of the first tube. The coil spring extends beyond a second end of the first tube. The shaft fixedly supports a second end of the coil spring. The shaft and the first tube are slidably displaced relative to each other upon suspension loading to lengthwise compress the coil spring. The guide is disposed within the first tube and connected to the coil spring between the first and second ends of the coil spring. The guide is displaced with the coil spring under suspension loading and limiting lateral displacement of the coil spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Robert Powell
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Patent number: 8474850Abstract: A lubricated guide unit is for a motorcycle fork tube that includes an outer tube and an inner tube telescopically slidable within the outer tube. The guide unit includes upper and lower sliding bushings axially spaced apart and disposed within a cavity of the outer tube and guide sliding movement of the inner tube. A first sealing device is mounted at an open end of the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. A second sealing device is mounted in the outer tube and seals against the outer surface of the inner tube. The second sealing device is axially spaced from the first sealing device such that a sealed, lubrication chamber is defined between the two sealing devices and the facing circumferential surfaces of the inner and outer tubes, the two bushings being disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventor: Roberto Pasino
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Patent number: 8434600Abstract: Damping device for damping motion of movable furniture parts. A piston mounted in housing in longitudinally displaceable manner which, due lo displacement, forms two variable-size working chambers on opposite sides with damping medium. Via overflow-connection, throttled transfer of damping medium is possible between two working chambers. Piston plunger, fed selectively, is connected on one side of pislon. Via the outer end of piston plunger, the motion of the furniture part to be damped is transferred to the piston. On side of piston, an elongated adjustment shaft is connected to the piston plunger. Free end of plunger is fed in sealed manner out of front face lying opposite front face that is sealed on the piston plunger side. The end of adjustment shaft engages with a passage duct connecting two working chambers and forms a variable-sized throttle cross section in the passage duct, making adjusting motion of shaft relative to piston.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Grass GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus Herper, Gabriele Schneider
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Patent number: 8307963Abstract: A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Inventor: Jesse A. Jurrens
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Patent number: 8256590Abstract: A vibration suppressing device and a vibration suppressing method that are capable of obtaining an accurate optimum rotation speed and shortening a time period from generation of chatter vibration to calculation of the optimum rotation speed are provided. The vibration suppressing device includes: vibration sensors for detecting time-domain vibrational accelerations of a rotary shaft in rotation; and a control device for calculating a chatter frequency and a frequency-domain vibrational acceleration of the rotary shaft at the chatter frequency on the basis of the time-domain vibrational accelerations detected by the vibration sensors, and when the calculated frequency-domain vibrational acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold value, calculating an optimum rotation speed on the basis of a predetermined parameter, and rotating the rotary shaft at the calculated optimum rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignees: Okuma Corporation, National University Corporation Nagoya UniversityInventors: Norikazu Suzuki, Eiji Shamoto, Hiroshi Inagaki
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Patent number: 8245821Abstract: A vibration damping device for hydraulic shock absorbers for vehicles, having two cartridges, each associated with a shock-absorber integrated in a component of a vehicle, and each comprising a tubular body, with a piston that forms two chambers with variable volumes of incompressible fluid, a first compression chamber, and a second extension chamber. Each piston is carried by a stem exiting from an end of the tubular body and associated with part of the shock-absorber. The piston is provided with bleeding orifices for fluid bleeding. Flow control and throttling for the orifices are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: C.D.A.—Bitubo—di Mardollo Scipione & C. s.n.c.Inventor: Gianni Mardollo
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Patent number: 8235187Abstract: In a hydraulic shock absorber structured such that a vehicle body side tube and an axle side tube are slidably fitted, and a plurality of adjusting portions are provided in a cap sealed to an upper end opening portion of the vehicle body side tube, a plurality of adjusting portions are arranged side by side in a plan view of the cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Showa CorporationInventor: Yosuke Murakami
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Patent number: 8162112Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accommodating vehicle suspensions that may bottom out. Some embodiments of the present invention include the secondary shock absorber placed within a primary shock absorber. Yet clear embodiments describe a shock absorber having multiple fluid flowpaths during compression, with one of the flowpaths being active near the bottoming-out condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Competition Tire EastInventors: Bill J. Gartner, Andrew Benjamin Lambert
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Patent number: 8136644Abstract: An electronically-controlled damper arrangement includes a valve assembly. The valve assembly features a valve slide that carries at least two pistons. The first piston controls flow through two separate flow paths while the second piston controls damping provided by the valve slide. The first piston being both axially moveable and radially moveable within a valve housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Ohlins Racing ABInventor: Lars Sönsteröd
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Patent number: 7886883Abstract: A telescopic fork (1) for two-wheelers, in particular bicycles, is provided and includes a plunger tube (2) and a fixed tube (3) having a spring element (4), which is impinged by a piston (5) connected to the plunger tube (2), with the piston (5) having a piston rod (6) connected to the plunger tube (2). For adjusting the spring travel, the piston rod (6) is adjustable in height and connected to the plunger tube (2), with an adjustment cylinder (8) being provided for this purpose connected to the plunger tube (2), in which an adjustment piston (9) is guided connected to the piston rod (6) and the cylinder chambers (13, 14) located at both sides of the adjustment piston (9) are filled with fluid and are at least provided with one connecting channel that can be opened and closed for the fluid to flow.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Gustav Magenwirth GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Reiner Kunstle
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Patent number: 7870936Abstract: A bicycle suspension system including a travel adjustment apparatus. The bicycle suspension system includes a piston tube and a piston assembly slidably disposed in the piston tube forming a shock-absorbing mechanism. The piston assembly is in contact with the piston tube. The travel adjustment apparatus includes first and second fluid chambers, a fluid valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow between the first and second fluid chambers, and an actuating assembly operatively connected to the fluid valve mechanism operable between at least two rider-selectable travel settings to operate the fluid valve mechanism between at least two valve settings corresponding to the rider-selectable travel settings.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: Christopher Shipman
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Patent number: 7798295Abstract: A suspension system for a motorcycle, comprising a motorcycle main frame, a swing arm pivotally mounted to the motorcycle main frame about a pivot axis, and an air-bag suspension system. The air-bag suspension system includes at least one air-bag constructed of an elastomeric material. The air-bag is housed within a housing assembly and is secured at one end to a piston located within the housing assembly and at its other end to an upper plate or end cap of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is attached to a shock absorber, and the shock absorber is attached at its forward end to the cross member plate of the motorcycle main frame and is pivotally attached at its rearward end to the lower transverse cross member of the swing arm.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Jesse A. Jurrens
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Patent number: 7722069Abstract: A bicycle suspension system is provided with a damping unit and a damping control unit to control movement of upper and lower telescopically connected tubes. A damping force adjustment valve selectively adjusts a fluid flow rate of fluid passed a damping piston. The damping piston has a fluid flow port that is axially spaced with respect to a fluid flow passage of a damping lockout mechanism such that a flow path is formed in an axial direction by the fluid flow port of the damping piston and the fluid flow passage of the damping lockout mechanism when the damping lockout mechanism is in a non-lockout mode. A first actuating member operates the damping force adjustment valve and a second actuating member operates the damping lockout mechanism such that the damping force adjustment valve remains in a set position when the second actuating member is being operated.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventor: Toyoto Shirai
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Publication number: 20090277734Abstract: Methods and apparatus for position sensitive dampening. In one aspect a fluid damper is provided comprising a damper chamber divided by a piston into a primary compression and a primary rebound chamber; a secondary compression chamber in fluid communication with the damper chamber; and an adjustable fluid meter controlling fluid flow out of the secondary compression chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Christopher Paul Cox, Everet Owen Ericksen, Wesley E. Allinger
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Patent number: 7556130Abstract: A track system for providing complementary shock absorbing capability to a primary shock absorbing assembly having a hydraulic path containing fluid. The track system includes a chamber, a damping assembly and an adjusting assembly. The chamber has opposite first and second ends, the first end of the chamber being provided with a port operatively connectable to the hydraulic path of the primary shock absorbing assembly, the port being configured for allowing fluid from the hydraulic path of the primary shock absorbing assembly to enter and exit the chamber of the track system through the port thereof. The damping assembly is configured for damping a flow of fluid entering the chamber via the port thereof. The adjusting assembly is configured for adjusting a damping mode of the damping assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Elka Suspension Inc.Inventors: Martin Lamoureux, Samuel Arsenault, Stéphane Lépine
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Patent number: RE40649Abstract: A shock absorber assembly includes a damping adjustment mechanism that can easily be incorporated into a twin cylinder design. The shock absorber includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder mounted within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is spaced apart from the outer cylinder to define a gap. A piston is mounted within a fluid filled chamber formed within the inner cylinder to dampen vibrations. Holes are drilled into the wall of the inner cylinder to provide fluid ports that can communicate with the gap to form a bi-directional fluid path as the piston moves back and forth within the chamber to dampen vibrations. To provide variable damping, the outer cylinder includes an eccentric inner diameter to outer diameter profile that allows damping adjustment between high and low damping forces. The damping force is adjusted by rotating the outer cylinder relative to the inner cylinder to vary the size of the gap with respect to the ports.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Neil Farr